Taylor Ritzel’s dream for an Olympic rowing medal in rowing is on track

Posted By John Meyer On July 29, 2012 @ 6:42 am In 2012 London Olympics,Olympics | No Comments

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U.S. women's eight, including Larkspur's Taylor Ritzel, warms up for Sunday's race at the Eton College Rowing Centre

Dorney, England — The U.S. women’s eight boat has been the most dominant in the world in recent years, and it looked formidable again Sunday, winning its heat in qualifying.

At the Eton College Rowing Centre 30 miles west of London in the country near Windsor, the Americans finished more than a boat length ahead of Australia, earning a spot in Thursday’s finals.

“It’s always nice to finally just feel the race,” said Taylor Ritzel, a graduate of Douglas County High School and granddaughter of former Broncos coach Red Miller. “It was nice to get a race under our belts.”

Canada, Team USA’s closet rival and the boat expected to mount the best challenge to the Americans, won the other heat. Romania, which finished second in that heat, also is considered a gold medal contender.

Ritzel thoroughly enjoyed rowing in a country where the sport is so traditional and popular.

“Being here is really awesome,” Ritzel said. “The fans are just incredible. It was fun being in a race with GB (the British), because you could hear the grandstands from about 750 (meters) out. It’s really an honor to be able to represent the United States and also be in a country where rowing is such a big deal.”